Gentlemen,
I too have enjoyed the extraordinary hell of replacing my original traveler bar and car, also with outstanding Garhauer upgrades. I learned a couple of things that may be of use to some in the future. First, except for the long machine screws that extend all the way into the cabin, the others are reputedly threaded into a captive aluminum or brass (different urban myths--I believe the aluminum one . . . ) plate that is embedded in the top fiberglas shell beneath the traveler. I think it is aluminum because the SS machine screws were almost galvanically corroded into a fused weld at that joint--I used an impact wrench with a large hammer to start mine turning out, then they offered less resistance--still an ugly task. Once out, the telltale white powder evidence on their tips seemed pretty reminiscent of the questionable practice so common on boats--stainless steel fasterner into aluminum component--bad idea. I echo the observation about generous application of lube/antiseize compound. As I recall Norm Perron regularly backs out all such fastenings on his boat a few turns, to keep that "weld" from forming.
Lastly, I rather easily found a source online for replacement SS machine screws of the right length and diameter. Matching SS fender washer and nylock nuts too-- and quite reasonably priced--I'm thinking four to six bucks apiece (screw, nut and washer), which seemed a bargain once I found them. I'm at work now (don't tell the boss) so I don't have the specs or source with me. If any need it, I'll gladly provide later this weekend.
Cheers,
I too have enjoyed the extraordinary hell of replacing my original traveler bar and car, also with outstanding Garhauer upgrades. I learned a couple of things that may be of use to some in the future. First, except for the long machine screws that extend all the way into the cabin, the others are reputedly threaded into a captive aluminum or brass (different urban myths--I believe the aluminum one . . . ) plate that is embedded in the top fiberglas shell beneath the traveler. I think it is aluminum because the SS machine screws were almost galvanically corroded into a fused weld at that joint--I used an impact wrench with a large hammer to start mine turning out, then they offered less resistance--still an ugly task. Once out, the telltale white powder evidence on their tips seemed pretty reminiscent of the questionable practice so common on boats--stainless steel fasterner into aluminum component--bad idea. I echo the observation about generous application of lube/antiseize compound. As I recall Norm Perron regularly backs out all such fastenings on his boat a few turns, to keep that "weld" from forming.
Lastly, I rather easily found a source online for replacement SS machine screws of the right length and diameter. Matching SS fender washer and nylock nuts too-- and quite reasonably priced--I'm thinking four to six bucks apiece (screw, nut and washer), which seemed a bargain once I found them. I'm at work now (don't tell the boss) so I don't have the specs or source with me. If any need it, I'll gladly provide later this weekend.
Cheers,
